NA, ENG 8/6/1863

Engineer Bureau
Aug 6, 1863
 
Col. W. H. Stevens  C. S. A.
Richmond, Va.
 
Colonel,
   It is the desire of the Hon Sec of War that immediate steps be taken to construct a suitable work for the defence of the bridge of the Petersburg & Weldon R. R. {the Petersburg RR} on the Meherrin River & I have to request that you will take measures at once in concert with the commanders of the forces at Weldon & Petersburg to construct the proper work. The bridge is one of considerable length & if destroyed would break the southern connection for a considerable time. An officer of Engrs must be assigned at once to the duty of locating & building a closed work in proper relation for defending the approaches to the bridge & of such strength of profile as to resist cavalry & light artillery & suitable for a garrison of two or three companies. It is understood that negro labor will be furnished to some extent by the citizens in the neighborhood & the commanders of troops should be urged to furnish fatigue labor. Can you assign Lt. Bendor or some officer now in N. C. or Petersburg to the duty with proper instructions from yourself. The bridge over the Sittimay? river should be guarded also, possibly a small work built for its protection. I repeat, The Sec of War desires that prompt measures be taken to build a defensive work at the bridge over the Meherrin. Home guards in an emergency, it is believed, could be obtained to defend the bridge when the work shall have been built. The Sec of War has decided that the agricultural interests will not admit of a call on the slaves for labor on the fortifications sooner than the 10th of September. He has urged upon Genl Elzy that details of troops be made from his command for fatigue services, say 500 men daily. Then to be employed on the connection between Randolph & Chaffin Bluff. Please see Genl. Elzy & urge prompt action.  
Your obt svt
J. F. Gilmer
Col. Engrs & Chf Bu.
Also OR, Series 1, Vol. 29, Part 2, Page 627

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